Guarded approach for young boxers

Boxers at St Pancras ABC wearing new vests and shorts – the Kentish Town-based club is supported by businesses who help pay for the smart kit

TOP boxing coach CJ Hussein insists that youngsters don’t have to want to be professional boxers to reap all the rewards that come with stepping inside a gym.

CJ and his dedicated team at St Pancras ABC in Kentish Town returned to their popular junior recreational classes this week boasting a brand-new look.

The sessions are held every Tuesday and Thursday between 4.30pm and 5.30pm and are open to young people aged 10 to 18 years old. CJ said children aged even younger could also attend if he gets to meet them first.

“If a child who is seven or eight years old goes into a boxing gym and has a bad experience it can scar them for life, and they will probably never step foot into a gym again,” said CJ. “I would certainly never want that to happen.
“That’s why I insist on meeting youngsters who join our classes first, so that I can gauge their personality and give them the best possible advice.

“The fitness sessions that we run are perfect for young people. We do light body-sparring, and a wide range of exercise and fitness work, like skipping and shadow boxing. We have some really talented young boxers at the gym, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a boxer to join. We are not only interested in finding boxers, we also want to help youngsters get fitter and build confidence.

“We want to try and get them away from their computers, and living a more active lifestyle – and they can certainly do that without ever having to box for the club.”

Kids returned to the junior classes wearing brand-new white vests and navy shorts this week courtesy of some additional sponsoring.

CJ was quick to praise all the additional support that keeps the gym in Talacre Road running. “First and foremost I want to thank all the coaches that give up their time for free to help us deliver our classes. I also want to thank Tony Gibbon from BH2, an independent real estate advisory business, and Lee Polisano from PLP Architecture, who have provided all our young members with new kits. They are always supporting the gym, and we pass that financial support on to our members.”

The junior recreational classes cost just £2. To join just turn up at St Pancras ABC before one of the sessions, which are held Tuesday and Thursday at 4.30pm.